Exercise

It’s a tough question, as both are effective, beneficial and appropriate for cancer survivors. Both Practices:

• Increase strength, endurance, flexibility and range of motion.
• -Improve lymphatic drainage through gentle movement & breathing
• -Improves postural alignment & balance
• -Enhances overall kinesthetic awareness
• -Reduces psychological & emotional stress
• -Increases self-confidence & self-esteem
• -Improves appearance
• -enhances overall well-being

Gentle Pilates-Unlike floor pounding aerobics or strenuous weight-lifting, Pilates is gentle, soft conditioning that appeals to weary cancer survivors. Pilates’ core concepts deal with unifying the body’s movements, increasing range of motion and regaining core strength, which is quickly lost after any long illness or surgery, and especially after the treatments involved in cancer (e.g. surgery, radiation, chemo).

Gentle Yoga-Has been shown to help those living with cancer cope with both the physical and mental challenges. Those who practice yoga are often found to have less anxiety, function better physically and feel less fatigue compared to those who did not practice yoga. Each element of a yoga practice-the physical poses, breathing, and meditation are important. Yoga, with its emphasis on controlled breathing offers a combination of mental and physical conditioning that is more helpful than conventional exercise alone.

Sessions are usually 1 hr. long, plan on spending an extra 15-20 minutes the first time to fill out a Health History Form and register.

Wear anything you feel comfortable moving in, something that doesn’t restrict your movement, and something you feel comfortable in sitting or lying on the floor.

Everything is provided for you: exercise mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, bands and other props.

Even when one is feeling sick or weak, there is something we can find to do. Whether it is simply to use restorative poses, breathing practices to relax and ease the mind and body; or simple stretches and deep relaxation, we do whatever we need to do to help the body heal, regain strength and restore its energy and vitality, one step at a time. Often it is beneficial, comforting, and motivating to relax in the presence of others who understand how you are feeling.